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Following the example of other Christian powers, in their dealings with the piratical governments of Northern Africa, the United States Government had, in 1795, signed a treaty with the Dey of Algiers, paying him a million dollars for the ransom of American captives and promising an annual payment of tribute. In 1812 the Dey declared war against the United States. When the war of 1812 with England was ended, Congress declared war on Algiers, and Commodore Decatur, with ten vessels, sailed against her. Such successes were obtained over the Algerine Navy that by the time Decatur reached Algiers the Dey was ready to submit. He signed a treaty giving indemnity, renouncing all claim to tributes or presents, and promising not to reduce prisoners of war to slavery. Decatur then exacted similar sub-mission from Tunis and Tripoli.